Current weather

Living with bears

Posted: July 4, 2013 - 12:19pm

Clarion editorial

With a number of recent bear sightings around town, now is a good time for a reminder that, even inside of city limits, we live in bear country.

And with that comes a reminder that in bear country, whether it’s the backcountry or back yard, certain safety precautions are necessary. There have been nine bears killed in defense of life and property this year, and Kenai police report using rubber bullets to haze a bear away from a neighborhood recently.

First and foremost, if you’re out and about for a walk or a jog, even in your neighborhood, be aware of your surroundings. Make a little noise so that a bear in the vicinity knows you’re coming. And if you spot a bear on the golf course, as has happened recently, it’s probably best to let it play through.

Around your house, minimize bear attractants — anything a hungry bruin could construe as food. Alaska Department of Fish and Game recommends that residents keep trash in bear-resistant containers or inside. Animal feed should be stored in a secure area. Bird feeders should be put away for the summer. Chest freezers stored outdoors should be locked or secured with ratchet straps.

Of particular concern to residents in the coming month should be proper disposal of fish carcasses. Numerous bear issues in recent years have started with fish carcasses carelessly dumped in or near a neighborhood.

Bears are smart animals, and they’re looking for the easiest meal they can find to fatten up for another winter. Make sure easy food sources aren’t available, and most of the time, they will be just passing through, not sticking around to cause trouble.

Living with bears — and all the other animals that thrive on the Kenai Peninsula — is part of what makes life here such an adventure. Let’s do our part to make sure it stays that way.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for
following agreed-upon rules of civility. Posts and
comments do not reflect the views of this site. Posts and comments are
automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some
comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules,
click the "Flag as offensive" link below the comment.

7/6/13 looking for VOLUNTEERS to use a TASER
on a 1000 lbs Pizzed Off Mama Grizzly BEAR.

A ANC Police Officer used a Taser on a Moose last year & It Worked. Nows they are wondering IF this would work on a Grizzly Bear ?

Step Right Up ! Be the 1st One on Your Block to Taser a Grizzly Bear ! make sure a video camera is recording this experiment. You will be a instant internet Rock Star ! Your opportunity to become Famous for all of the world to see.